Corydoras – Pygmy
The Pygmy Cory Cat lives up to its name maxing out in size at about 3cm.
The bottom dwelling Pygmy Cory's scientific name is Corydoras Pygmaeus.
The Pygmy Cory is comfortable in temperatures from 22-27 Degrees C.
A pH of 6.5-7.5 is ideal for the Corydoras Pygmaeus.
Algae Wafers, Frozen, Live, and Flake food are accepted readily by Pygmies. Note: Pygmy Corydoras are primarily meat eaters and should not be fed Algae Wafers as a staple. A varied diet is great for them, though.
Unlike every other species of Corydora Catfish that require a 70 litre Long tank or 105 litre Tall tank, Pygmy Cories require a minimum tank size of 37 litres!
Like all Corydora Species, Pygmy Cories require a school of at least 6 Pygmies per tank.
Sexing Pygmy Cories is rather easy; females are noticably rounder and usually get larger than males.
Due to this Corydora's peaceful nature they are compatible with most other peaceful community top, bottom dwellers, and will never be the bully of the tank. But, larger fish may pick on them. Choose tankmates carefully.
The Pygmy Cory Cat's natural habitats are in small tributaries and creeks in Rio Madiera Basin, Brazil sheltering by marginal vegetation and tree roots.
Finally, like all Corydora Catfish, Pygmies have sensitive barbels on their mouths that are easily damaged. With out their barbels the Cory will die. To prevent this it is recommended to use fine substrate such as sand or a VERY fine gravel to prevent Barbel Damage.
With proper care the Pygmy Corydora has an expected lifespan of 5 years.
Interesting Facts:
-Pygmy Cories, and all Cories, have the ability to breath from the surface of the air. This is normal but there is a problem if your Pygmy Cories are constantly darting to the top for air.
-Pygmy Cories are a part of the "armoured" catfish group. This means, instead of scales, Corydoras have two rows of bony plates running along their sides.
-Pygmy Cories are very sensitive to salt.
-C. Pygmaeus are not the traditional bottom dweller. Unlike most Corydoras, they hover aound in mid-tank regions more than on the bottom.
